Two Major Factors That Affect the Cost of a Heat Pump
When you begin collecting quotes for your HVAC system upgrade, take into consideration these two key factors that will impact the cost of your heat pump replacement:
- Heat Pump Capacity : A professional load calculation will determine the size and capacity needed from your new HVAC equipment. Measured in tonnage, heat pump/air conditioners have sizes ranging from 1.5 ton to 5 ton. The bigger the size, typically the higher the cost will be for replacement.
- Heat Pump Efficiency Rating : Heat pumps are measured by efficiency with their SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Similar to an air conditioner, heat pumps on the market today most commonly have a SEER rating as low as 14 SEER and as high as 20 SEER.
Heat Pump Prices by Brand
It’s important to understand that not all HVAC brands are the same, and when it’s time to select your new heat pump equipment, the manufacturer of the system should be a big factor. Especially if you are in your ‘forever home’, you won’t want to roll the dice on your home comfort with a lesser-known HVAC brand.
Some of the best heat pump brands based on consumer feedback include:
Trane: An award-winning brand that is rated highly by consumers, Trane heat pumps provide reliable and durable operation. Much of their equipment assembly is done in the United States, with their headquarters based out of Tyler, Texas. Paired with a contractor, like Logan Services, who can offer factory-direct pricing, a Trane heat pump is both an effective and economical investment in your home. Partner with a reputable Trane dealer who can offer competitive pricing for this top-of-the-line brand of equipment, and you’ll get the best bang for your buck for your project.
Rheem: Another consumer favorite, Rheem provides a variety of new heat pump products that are highly rated for their quality. Typically, a little less expensive than top performing brands, Rheem systems are praised for being budget-friendly HVAC equipment that is durable. Rheem heating and cooling products could be an excellent choice for your HVAC upgrade.
Carrier: An HVAC manufacturer you are likely to have heard and seen in your research, Carrier has name recognition amongst consumers. Founded by Willis Carrier, the man who invented the first modern air conditioning system in 1902, Carrier is one of the top-of-the-line brands in the HVAC industry. If you are comparing quotes, Carrier products are likely to be more expensive than many other options available.
Lennox: Heating and cooling equipment manufactured by Lennox has been rated favorably by consumers over the years. Lennox is known for their founder’s (Dave Lennox) introduction of the first riveted-steel furnace in 1895. Focused on energy-efficiency, Lennox products have historically been priced higher than many comparable models in the industry.
Mitsubishi Electric: A leading manufacturer of ductless heat pumps, Mitsubishi mini-split systems are growing in popularity in Ohio, specifically as a single zone heating/cooling solution for areas that are difficult to keep comfortable with your traditional HVAC system. Commonly found in sunrooms, master bedrooms, and room additions, Mitsubishi ductless heat pumps are amongst the highest-efficiency and energy costs-minded systems on the market.
We encourage you to do your research on which brands would best fit your new heat pump replacement budget. Another brand you may have heard of is Daikin AC Units. Choose a reputable manufacturer but remember that the quality of installation from the company you choose to replace your cooling and heating systems is what matters most. As we say at Logan Services, the best warranty is the one you don’t have to use because the heat pump installed was done correctly the first time.
Heat Pump System Itemized Costs
When you have a new heat pump replacement quote, it’s likely that the project is quoted in one total price. Your estimate may include the set-up of many items that are necessary to complete the project and bring your home reliable, energy efficient home comfort. Costs for heat pump repair or replacement can be dependent on part and equipment availability, as well as demand.
Here are some common terms as they may relate to your heat pump project:
- Heat pump condensing unit : Located in the outdoor equipment, the condensing unit is the outdoor coil functioning in cooling mode.
- Air handler : This is the indoor unit that is powered by electric only and works similarly to a furnace to move air throughout the home.
- Indoor coil : Known as the evaporator coil, the indoor coil is filled with cold refrigerant that functions to absorb heat.
- Refrigerant line set : The refrigerant lines are copper pipes that tie the outdoor unit to the indoor coil. The refrigerant in the line set functions to absorb or reject heat throughout the system.
- Electrical : The electrical components of your heat pump will need to be correctly connected with your home’s electrical supply. The electrical connection process should be included in the price of your heat pump estimate and should only require an additional charge if you need to upgrade your electrical box.
- Thermostat : Your heat pump should come with a new thermostat. You may opt to upgrade to a bigger display, but your HVAC dealer should offer this to you at a minimal upcharge.
- Gas furnace : Whether you are pairing your heat pump with a gas furnace or electric air handler, it’s important to remember the benefits of heating and cooling equipment compatibility. To make the most of your replacement project, you’ll want to replace both indoor and outdoor HVAC equipment.
Heat Pump Labor Costs
Prices for your HVAC project can vary by region, installing company, equipment availability, and other economic factors. Oftentimes, the cost of labor comes down to the time it takes to complete the project. The more time your project takes, the higher your labor costs may be.
Consider the time it takes for the following replacement tasks:
- Air source : Depending on the scope of the job, most often air source heat pump installation costs should be based on roughly 1-2 days of labor, so labor fees are minimal when it’s time to replace your system.
- Geothermal : A lengthier process, geothermal heat pump projects can take as long as 6-8 weeks from start to finish.
- Additional labor costs : Labor fees that may be added on additionally could include relocating your heat pump, upgrading your electrical box, etc. Your quote should include all those additional fees (if applicable) upfront, so you are not hit with any surprise costs on the day of the installation.
- Heat pump removal cost : The cost of heat pump removal should be part of your project quote. An HVAC contractor who has experience in heat pump replacement should have a recycling process for old heating/cooling equipment, so the burden of heat pump disposal should never fall on the homeowner. A typical HVAC system can be removed within the first 1-2 hours of the project and should not impact the amount of days needed to complete installation.
Choose a company who specializes in installing and fixing heat pumps, whether they be air source or geothermal, as they will likely be the most experienced and time-efficient option, which in the end, could save you time and money.
Total Cost of a Heat Pump Replacement
Heat pump replacement costs will be dependent upon the entire project scope. Some of the key factors that will impact heating pump installation pricing will be the size of equipment needed, what efficiency levels you prefer to have, whether you want single stage, two-stage, or variable speed (variable capacity heat pumps) HVAC technology, and any seasonal promotions and incentives that are available.
Additionally, it’s important to note that when it’s time to replace your heat pump unit, it may also mean that your furnace or air handler needs to be replaced as well for system compatibility. This ‘small’ detail can impact the heat pump cost of replacement significantly but may be necessary to achieve the energy efficiency levels that the equipment is rated for.
When all these details are taken into consideration, your heat pump replacement could range in costs from $6,000 to $16,000+, so for this reason, we always recommend getting a free, in-home estimate to get a firm idea of what kind of investment you are looking at. Take advantage of a free consultation with a comfort and efficiency expert at Logan Services and get educated on your HVAC replacement options.
We offer same-day estimates and next-day installation; we are here to help make your project hassle-free. To learn more about heat pump removal and replacement, contact us today to get started!
FAQs
What size heat pump do I need for a 2,000-square-foot home?
To properly size the equipment for your home, your HVAC professional should perform what’s called a load calculation. While square footage of the home plays a big role in determining the tonnage required to heat/cool your home, it is only one of many things that are considered when making that heat pump sizing decision.
Is it worth installing a heat pump?
Replacing your outdoor HVAC unit with a heat pump can be beneficial in many ways. If you are replacing a traditional air conditioner with a heat pump, you’ll gain the extra functionality of heating mode, which will allow you to save money with an energy efficient model on your fuel supply in the colder months. Heat pumps are an excellent choice for homeowners in Ohio, when paired with a gas furnace or electric air handler.
How long will the installation take?
Depending on the complexity of the job and heat pump contractor you choose for system installation, your equipment could take as little as one day, and as much as a week or more. At Logan Services, our installation team is highly experienced and trained to perform your heat pump installation properly and in a timely fashion. Most often, our installations take just one day! There are many contractors out there that are not able to offer that convenience, so keep this in mind when you are selecting your air conditioner, furnace, and heat pump installation company.
What is the average lifespan of the heat pump according to you?
We would hope to see an average of 12-15 years of good operational use out of your heat pump. However, the lifespan of any HVAC equipment can vary depending on the quality of installation, how well the system was cared for with routine maintenance and filter changes, and how quickly repairs were made when operational concerns surfaced. Not unlike our own life expectancy, the condition and future of your heat pump will center around many outside factors, regardless of the brand.
What should I consider when choosing a heat pump?
Some of the most important decisions you will make during your HVAC replacement project will be equipment brand, correct sizing, preferred efficiency levels, single stage, two-stage, or variable speed operation, and who you choose to purchase and install your system through. Your HVAC upgrade should be based on your heating and cooling needs and allow you the opportunity to decrease your energy costs and enjoy peace of mind with reliable home comfort, so it’s important to make a well-informed decision on your investment.
